Which of the following inferences is most strongly supported by the following lines taken from the novel written by R.K. Narayan?

"He wished that he didn’t have to write the letter Q (in Quit India Movement), which consumed a lot of black paint."

Correct option is C

Explanation:

This line from R.K. Narayan's novel reflects a social and economic condition during the time of the Quit India Movement (1942), as represented in the narrator’s complaint about the excessive use of black paint when writing the letter "Q". The letter "Q" was frequently used in the Quit India Movement, a campaign initiated by Mahatma Gandhi during India’s struggle for independence. The excessive usage of the letter Q symbolized the burden and difficulty of expressing a message for independence, and it highlights the strain on resources, such as paint, during a time of political and social unrest.

The black paint could be seen as a metaphor for the burdensome efforts of the time, including the economic strain caused by the Freedom Struggle, which affected even the most basic resources.

By mentioning the excessive use of black paint, the economic difficulty and the exhaustion during a turbulent time are subtly conveyed.
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Information Booster:

R.K. Narayan and The Guide:

R.K. Narayan (1906–2001) is one of India’s most celebrated authors in English literature. He is known for his portrayal of Indian society, often through the fictional town of Malgudi, which serves as the setting for many of his novels and stories.
The Guide is one of his most famous works, but he also authored other notable novels such as The Bachelor of Arts and The English Teacher, which explore social issues, relationships, and personal growth.

The Quit India Movement:

- The Quit India Movement was launched in 1942 by Mahatma Gandhi with the demand for an immediate end to British rule in India. The movement marked a major turning point in the Indian struggle for independence and was characterized by mass protests and civil disobedience.
- During this time, resources were often scarce, and people were focused on contributing to the national struggle, making it a period of economic strain for many.

- The black paint mentioned in the line serves as a metaphor for the exhausting nature of the struggle, with even the smallest tasks becoming challenging due to the war-time economy and political turmoil.

Symbolism of the Letter "Q" and Paint:

- The repetitive use of black paint to write the letter "Q" may also symbolize the recurrence of the same struggle, where every effort towards independence felt like it required immense physical and emotional exertion.

- The black paint could symbolize the difficulty of expressing a single, powerful message for independence through physical acts, signifying the draining experience of the freedom movement.

Social and Economic Strain:
- The mention of the black paint in the context of the Quit India Movement also highlights the economic and social strain on ordinary people during the struggle.

- As they fought for freedom, even basic resources like paint were scarce, reflecting the difficulties of daily life during the period of civil disobedience and protests.